At least Taylor showed he was a class act

May 03, 2006

My wife and I recently relocated to South Bend and thought we'd take a night out on the town. Fortunately we were able to get great seats for the James Taylor concert at the Morris Performing Arts Center. With dinner beforehand and tickets at $90 per seat it was going to be expensive, but having never seen JT before we looked forward to the night. I would like to "thank" the following for making the evening memorable: Thanks to the guy sitting next to me who answered his cell phone three times during the show. Thanks to the gentleman who whistled the University of Notre Dame fight song in between songs. Who could forget the class act who yelled "cut the BS and play the song"? The lady who screamed "yee-haw" during every song certainly enhanced our night, too. The cell phone picture-takers were obviously not restricted by the no camera rule that was clearly posted. I'm sure JT loved those flashes in his face. Finally, thank you, JT, for doing an encore. I was sure he would walk off the stage and not come back. At least he showed some class, because his audience sure didn't.

Jackson PellSouth Bend

Advertisement

Serve, protect

I first met South Bend Police Cpl. Scott Severns several months ago. I ran into my friend at a local south side gas station. By chance, Severns was there, too, and they knew each other. My friend introduced me to Severns and I was immediately impressed with his professionalism and friendliness. I ran into Scott several times after that chance meeting, and he always remembered me and was friendly and courteous. Reading his numerous accolades, South Bend has lost an outstanding cop and an outstanding resident of the community. We need to get the guns out of the hands of punks like the person who shot Severns, and the punks who were involved in the shooting at University Park mall. Right now, I wish we had an immediate justice system that would severely punish the people, instead of going through a long legal process to prove their guilt.

Dan TelferSouth Bend

VA facility

U.S. Rep. Chris Chocola, R-Bristol, should really do something for the South Bend area veterans. News flash: Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center is building a new hospital. Wouldn't the old one be a great Veterans Affairs emergency facility? It sure would beat that non-accessible popcorn stand on Ironwood Drive. During my usual three hours in the waiting room at the VA Hospital in Fort Wayne, at least 50 percent of the people I meet are from South Bend. Come on, people. Let's vote King George's puppets out and take back our country. Let's unite and vote in representatives who are willing to represent!

Vicki WaldronWalkerton

Unfair

After reading the newspaper on April 9, I was incensed at the article regarding public parks and my tax dollars that help maintain them and pay the salary of park employees. Where is there exposure to secondhand smoke outdoors? It also appears that exceptions are being made, specifically for golf courses. Was this decision made based on social status? I myself tried the game and decided I did not like it, but I bear no animosity toward those who do like to golf. Business people make a substantial investment of time and money and do not deserve to be dictated to as to how their business should be conducted and the type of individuals they choose to serve. If a smoking ban is to be truly effective, it should encompass all public areas and all businesses with no exceptions. This would include private clubs, bingo halls, bars, hotels, motels, golf courses and all outdoor entertainment venues as well as public parks. This would be a fair application of the smoking ban. Everyone should be treated equally. If the ordinance were to be implemented in this manner, no accommodations would be necessary and the large and small entities would be on a level playing field. I commend The Tribune for the editorial opinion which appeared in the April 10 newspaper.